Big Easy Red Blend

Grilled beef medallions in a peppercorn sauce.

As one of South Africa's leading ambassadors and one of the most recognizable faces in the world of sport it is befitting that Ernie chose Stellenbosch to produce his wines. In 1999 the concept of Ernie Els Wines was born and with the help of award-winning winemaker Louis Strydom they produced the maiden 2000 vintage of Ernie Els - a 'classic' Bordeaux blend. The intention from the outset was to focus on delivering a quality product that could hold its own in the company of the world's finest wines.

The 2021 Vintage was the first vintage where the vines started to come back into their normal circadian rhythm with the rain and temperatures normalizing. This vintage started with the soil at full water holding capacity allowing the vines to bud with no limitations. The temperatures this season were relatively hot but had intermittent cooler days with rain. This led to stretching the ripening of the fruit to allow the ripening process to continue for longer.

Aged for 12 – 14 months in older Oak barrels

The grapes were harvested in the early hours of the morning when temperatures are coolest, before destalking and optical sorting took place. The Shiraz component was partially whole bunch fermented to aid with flavour complexity. The remaining whole berries were then fermented in open top tanks and terracotta amphorae, where regular pump-overs or punch-downs were performed to maintain a harmonious balance between colour, flavour, and tannin extraction from the skins. Throughout the fermentation process, close attention was paid to ensure that the natural aromas and flavours were preserved and accentuated as necessary. Following the primary fermentation stage, some vessels underwent extended maceration. Each variety was aged independently in oak barrels or amphorae, a process known as micro-vinification, before blending and bottling took place.